Katy’s Spotlight on Women - Carrie Eighmey
By Katy Young Staudt, Vice President at TurnkeyZRG
Happy Fall! This month, I want to introduce you to our latest women’s basketball placement, Coach Carrie Eighmey. Carrie is the new Head Coach at the University of South Dakota. GO YOTES! During the search process, I had the opportunity to work with one of the top up and coming ADs in the country, Jon Schemmel. Jon is an absolute star and was amazing to work with during the process. After a competitive search, Carrie Eighmey rose to the top of the pool. Her energy, enthusiasm, and proven track record of achievement as a Head Coach set her apart. Jon also knew she would instantly be a fan favorite in Vermillion.
Carrie came to USD after a year at Idaho and has compiled an impressive 248-121 record over the past 12 years as a head coach at every level.
Meet Carrie Eighmey!
Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of South Dakota
What do you love most about your current job?
There are so many things to love about my job here at USD. We have incredible leadership in our President, Sheila Gestring and our Athletic Director, Jon Schemmel. I also love this community and the support from fans, donors, and alumni. The people are truly what makes Vermillion special!
What advice would you give to a young person looking to become a college basketball coach?
Start wherever you can get an opportunity to work under a great coach and just learn as much as you can. College athletics is a ton of work but it's also extremely rewarding. Never forget your why!
Who has had the biggest impact/influence on your career? (and why)?
My parents. Neither of them were coaches but they are two of the hardest workers I've ever met. They taught me great work ethic at a very young age. They also taught me to value relationships and to do things with integrity.
What is the best/most memorable sporting event you’ve attended?
Final Four when Arike Ogunbowale hits game winner vs UCONN
Favorite Quote?
Entire Man In The Arena quote
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chips and salsa...in extremely large quantities
Your “Go To” restaurant in Vermillion?
Dakota Brickhouse - great food and great people!
Best of luck to Coach Eighmey and the YOTES this season!
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